What is Breath-work?

"Breathwork" is an umbrella term for various types of conscious and controlled breathing practices that have the power to improve your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

At The Living You, Karin teaches many different breathwork techniques from traditional yoga breathing to modern breathing techniques such as Conscious breathing, also called Circular Breathing.

What Is Circular Breathing Technique?

The circular breathwork technique Karin teaches is performed lying down on your back in a comfortable position. It’s best to keep your back straight so you can inhale deeply. Do not use a pillow under your head unless you really need it, as this can obstruct the throat and make it difficult to breathe into your belly.

We begin breathing, which involves three phases: two breaths in, one breath out.

The first breath goes into the belly. The second breath in your chest. Then you let it go without pushing the air out.

During the session with Karin, music plays in the background to help motivate, relax, and help you release emotions that you are ready to let go of. Karin will safely guide you through the process with positive guided imagery to help you release and let go. 

Focusing on doing the technique correctly is important the first few times, to make sure you are not hyperventilating.This is why Karin is here as a guide for you as you get accustomed to this type of breathwork.

After 10-15 minutes of circular breathing, the breath starts to guide you. That’s when you may have some life-changing experiences. At the end of the session, usually after 30-40 minutes of active active breathing, Karin guides you with a 10 minute gratitude mediation. You'll leave our group sessions feeling full of love, gratitude, joy, and peace.

Circular breathwork is powerful and profound, but it can feel a bit challenging in the beginning. Hopefully, you’ve done harder things than laying on the floor breathing! If so, you’ll be just fine and do a great job.

As with anything you do to heal, there might be some resistance. But if you push through the barriers and resistance ONCE, my breathwork technique will break you out of your same old cycle and clear out stress, anxious feelings, anger, fear and just about any other unwanted negative emotion.

You will know it’s working the first time you do it because how you’ll feel afterwards is undeniable. My students often say one session feels like several years of therapy!

Is Circular Breathing Safe?

I’ve never once seen anything bad happen. My breath-work trainers in their decades of teaching this technique havent either. My technique is done lying down on your back. NEVER driving, NEVER in water. Why? Because conscious circular breathwork is very powerful, and it can create an altered state.

Here’s the best thing about it: you’re IN CONTROL. We’re not in the jungle, doing ayahuasca and puking into a bucket. If you feel that it’s too intense for you, you can ALWAYS tone it down a notch, breathe through your nose and resume the technique when you’re comfortable.

You can get off the ride at any time. You’re totally in control, AND you can do it in the middle of a Tuesday afternoon when you’re having a bad day, as I have for many years.

Breathwork isn’t any more dangerous than riding a bicycle or going to the gym. The difference is no one is really that fearful of the gym because we all know what it is at this point. We only fear the unknown.

What Will You Experience During A Breathwork Session?

Breathwork is an amazing experience, but there can also be some discomfort as your body gets used to it. Please bear in mind that it’s called breathWORK for a reason. You are breathing deeply and at an even circular pace.

During a circular breathwork session, you might get some of these symptoms (if not informed most people will freak out the first time they get them, but I can assure you these are completely normal and harmless):

- A tingly sensation in your hands, feet, and face

-Dizziness, light-headedness
Muscle tightness in the hands and jaw. This is called “tetany” and mostly happens to beginners and people who have a calcium, magnesium, or iron deficiency. It’s not dangerous and goes away once you resume normal breathing.

-Altered states and intense emotional release

If you do experience these symptoms, you have two options:

1. Push through the discomfort. This is hard to do when your mind is full of resistance, but it’s also very rewarding, because you get all the benefits and also build resilience. Just tell yourself “I got this. I am in control and breathe” until your mind lets go of fear of being outside your comfort zone. 

2. Slow down your breathing and rebalance. As I said before, you are in control. You can always pace yourself during this practice. Take a deep slow breath through your nose and exhale slowly until you feel ready to start circular breathing again.

During your Conscious Breathwork session, you'll be guided in a safe and supportive environment for your journey. Whether you're looking to release tension and stress, cultivate mindfulness and presence, or explore your inner landscape, our sessions offer a space for profound self-discovery and healing.

Through a variety of breathwork techniques, including circular breathing, connected breathing, and rhythmic breathing, you'll learn to harness the power of your breath to:

What are the benefits of breath-work?

🌿 Release Emotional Blockages: By consciously breathing into areas of tension and discomfort, you can release stored emotions and energetic blockages, allowing for greater emotional freedom and balance.

🧘‍♀️ Cultivate Mindfulness and Presence: Conscious Breathwork serves as a powerful tool for cultivating mindfulness and presence, helping you to connect more deeply with the present moment and cultivate a sense of inner peace and clarity.

🌀 Access Altered States of Consciousness: Through specific breathing patterns and techniques, you may experience altered states of consciousness, expanded awareness, and profound insights into your true nature.

🌱 Stimulate the Body's Natural Healing Response: Conscious Breathwork activates the body's parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation, stress reduction, and enhanced immune function.

Ready to take the next step on your journey of self-discovery? Book your spot in with a Conscious Breathwork session and experience the transformative power of conscious breathing firsthand. Your breath is the key to unlocking your fullest potential.✨